George Williams admits Warrington still need to prove themselves as genuine title contenders after suffering painful deja vu.
The England captain takes his side to Leeds on Friday having let slip their mantle as early Super League leaders. Warrington had won five on the bounce in all competitions before Saturday’s 32-24 home loss against Catalans. Their only other defeat had also come versus last season’s beaten Grand Finalists and Sam Burgess’ side have yet to see off one of the big clubs.
Warrington were top after eight rounds under Daryl Powell last year before a spectacular collapse saw them only just scrape into the play-offs. Stand-off Williams, 29, conceded: “That’s the reality. Catalans are a top-four team and we’ve lost twice to them so that’s an indication of where we’re at.
“Leeds away doesn’t get any easier. It is always a tough game no matter how they’re going. I’m sure after watching that [loss against Catalans] Leeds will be quite giddy too. But Headingley is probably my favourite away ground. I’m looking forward to it.”
Williams made only his third appearance of the season against Catalans after missing back-to-back games against London and also sitting out earlier wins versus Hull and Castleford. Woeful Warrington fell 18-0 behind after just 12 minutes but got back to 18-12 at the break only to slip further off the pace again. The ex-Wigan and Canberra ace said: “We probably got what we deserved. We did well to get back into the game.
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“But to give them an 18 point lead, get back in the game and at the start of the second half do the same thing - they scored two quick tries - it was deja vu with both halves. They’re too good a team to do that against. We showed some character to get back in it and at the end I did think we had it. But disappointment is the main thing.”
George Williams of Warrington Wolves gives his team instructions during the Betfred Super League match against Catalans Dragons (Photo by Craig Thomas/News Images) (Craig Thomas/News Images)Williams’ fine solo try just before the hour saw Warrington back to 28-24 but they couldn’t make the final punch. He said: “I was just happy to get back playing. I’ve had a couple of niggles at the start of the year so it was just good to play again. I’m always happy to get over for a try but I’d have taken two points every day.”
With Josh Drinkwater still sidelined, Williams linked with 19 year-old half-back Leon Hayes who started his sixth straight game and didn't look out of place. Williams said: "He’s really good. He’s only going to get better. I think that’s the first time he’s played against a top-four team and he’ll learn from that. I think that combination can build quite nicely."
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